Puzzle

Before I start this review, I want to tell you I am a huge fan of Irrfan Khan. I would pay to hear him read Google searches. Having said that, I really liked this film, maybe not for what it is but for what it tried to be and almost achieved. Despite the shortcomings, this was a highly enjoyable watch (and listen).

Marc Turtletaub is the director. He is known for Little Miss Sunshine (2006), Loving (2016) and Safety Not Guaranteed (2012). Wow. I’ll leave that there.

This film has a definite indy feel to it though it has that huge name from “Life of Pi.” It’s a film that shows the ascent of an invisible housewife into someone who stands up for herself. She is able to do this through the world of puzzle competitions. In truth, the context is that she learns from a handesome mentor and therein some conflict lies. This film reminds me of how many women can get stuck in dead ends. I’l close with my rating 9/10 and then the closing lines of John Steinbeck’s short story “The Chrysanthemums” that I have always found quite moving.

“Do any women ever go to the fights?” she asked.

“Oh, sure, some. What’s the matter, Elisa? Do you want to go? I don’t think you’d like it, but I’ll take you if you really want to go.”

She relaxed limply in the seat. “Oh, no. No. I don’t want to go. I’m sure I don’t.” Her face was turned away from him. “It will be enough if we can have wine. It will be plenty.” She turned up her coat collar so he could not see that she was crying weakly—like an old woman.